How to do a Herringbone Wire Wrap

September 30, 2011

Earrings made using a Herringbone Wire-wrapping Technique

Wire-wrapping has become my newest jewelry making addiction! I am always browsing the internet and looking for new inspiration and techniques that I have yet to master. My latest accomplishment was learning how to create the oh so complicated looking herring bone wrap. I have admired this style of wire wrapping for years but was always too intimidated to attempt it. A couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to learn it. And guess what? It was really pretty easy! Now I will pass my knowledge on to you, fellow bloggers and bead addicts, so you too can feel that sweet satisfaction that comes from creating something new and beautiful! (not to mention the compliments you are sure to receive by your coworkers!)

Step 1: Cut a piece of wire about 2 feet long (always better to have a little too much than to be short)

Make a loop at one end of the wire.

Step 2: Make a wrapped loop at one end of the wire. I find about a 1/2 inch or 1 centimeter is a good amount to wrap.

It helps to measure the first side.

Step 3: Thread your bead onto the wire.

Add your bead!

Step 4: Create a wrapped loop on the other side to mirror the one you made on the first side. You can measure if you like, to make sure it’s the same or just eyeball it.

Try and make both sides equal.

Step 5: Now that you have both sides wrapped, the fun begins! This is the tricky part. Take your long piece of remaining wire and and wrap it across the side of the bead in the center. Wrap the wire around the front of the wrapped loop on the opposite side.

Step 5 of How To Make a Herringbone Wirewrap: The tricky part.

Step 6: Now run the wire back down the other side of the bead and wrap it around the front of the wrapped loop where you started. The bead should be wrapped in wire all around now. After you have this first wrap, you can continue this pattern going back and forth, tracing the previous wire.

Repeat process on both sides.

Side View

Repeat pattern until desired look is achieved.

Step 7: Once you have your herringbone pattern how you like, you can end by wrapping your wire around the loop at one end and cutting the excess wire with your side cutters. Tuck any excess wire with your chain nose pliers.

Thank you,Thank you. like you,I have been looking for the” how to ” make this beautiful herringbone wrap earings ,love the pix as well as directions ,I need the pictures , can you make a ring with this pattern? Thanks

Finally,,, I am in the hospital with my disabled daughter, who just had emergency brain surgery… I didn’t have any beading stuff so ran out yesterday to get a few things while a nurse sat with her.. I have spent hours looking for how to do this and what is is called…. THANK YOU….Tami

Aha! At last I understand, thank you so much. I have just been given a collection of assorted semi precious stones many of which are rounds . Now I can envisage a much more interesting set of gifts coming from my work table than my previous efforts. Just have to work up the courage…….agates and quartzites will never have looked so captivating. All best wishes to you,
Xxxx

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